The purpose of this study is to determine if persons randomized to receive adapted Personalized Cognitive Risk-reduction Counseling (PCC) will report greater reductions in unprotected anal sex behavior compared with persons who do not receive Personalized Cognitive Risk-reduction Counseling (PCC).

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value in the number of total unprotected anal intercourse events over time. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of total unprotected anal intercourse partners over time. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of total unprotected anal intercourse episodes with three most recent sex partners over time. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of number of serodiscordant unprotected anal intercourse events. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

Serodiscordant defined as having partner of discordant or of unknown HIV serostatus.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of number of instertive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) events. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of the number of receptive unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) events. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

The outcome measure data shows the rate of change in the mean value of the number of condom-protected anal intercourse (UAI) events. Behaviors were self-reported at each study visit using "during the past 3 months" as the recall period. Study visits took place at baseline, 3 month, and 6 month timepoints.

Serodiscordant defined as having partner of discordant or of unknown HIV serostatus.

The individualized, cognitive counseling intervention was designed to help participants address the self-justifications—beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes—that they employed in the setting of high-risk sexual behavior, in the company of an empathic counselor.

Placebo Comparator: 2

HIV testing with information only

Behavioral: Standard HIV testing with information only

Standard HIV testing with information only

Detailed Description:

In the U.S., men who have sex with men (MSM) continue to constitute the greatest number of HIV/AIDS cases compared with other risk groups. Furthermore, many episodic substance using men who have sex with men (SUMSM) report that sex and substance use "always" or "often" go together. Studies have shown that substance use just before or during sex substantially increases HIV risk.

The formative phase of this research enrolled 59 HIV-negative episodic substance using MSM to participate in interviews to inform the adaptation of the Self-Justification Elicitation Instrument (SJEI) used during Personalized Cognitive Counseling (PCC) and to subsequently, pilot the adapted SJEI.

To conduct formative research through individual interviews and pilot testing among a sample (n=59) of episodic substance-using men who have sex with men (SUMSM) to develop and adapt the key elements of the Personal Risk-Reduction Cognitive Counseling intervention, with a focus on eliciting and intervening on the thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors that episodic SUMSM employ when using substances and engaging in concurrent sexual risk.

To determine the efficacy of the adapted intervention in reducing unprotected anal sex, as compared to routine HIV testing control condition, in a randomized trial of 326 episodic SUMSM.

We will also determine the efficacy of the intervention in reducing substance use.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older

Genders Eligible for Study:

Male

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Reports within the past 6 months unprotected anal intercourse (UAI) with another man while under the influence of at least one or any combination of the following substance: methamphetamine, poppers, crack or powder cocaine, or alcohol if binge drinking (5 or more drinks) within 2 hours before or during sex.

Identifies as male.

HIV-negative or unknown serostatus by self-report

Willing and able to participate in an intervention that addresses episodic substance use and sexual risk behavior

Not currently in substance use treatment, a self-help program, or an HIV prevention study

Has not injected any substances in prior 6 months.

≥ 18 years old

Planning to remain in the San Francisco Bay Area for the duration of study activities

Willing and able to provide full informed consent. Able to speak, read, and understand English.

Exclusion Criteria:

Reports within the past 6 months UAI with only one partner AND identifies that individual as a primary partner.

In the prior three months, weekly or more use of any of the targeted substances (meth, poppers, crack or powder cocaine), with the exception of alcohol

For alcohol, more than an average of 3 alcoholic drinks daily, or binge drinking more than twice weekly.

Contacts and Locations

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To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01279044